Franklin Panthers (Franklin, NC) backers were in high spirits Wednesday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting Swain County Maroon Devils (Bryson City, NC), 71-63 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Franklin upgrades its record to 15-7 on the season. The Panthers host West Henderson (Hendersonville, NC) to clash with the Falcons in a 3A Mountain 7 bout on Friday, February 9. The Falcons go into the bout with a record of 15-6. West Henderson won 71-63 in their recent league bout against Pisgah (Canton, NC)

Next up, the Maroon Devils clash with the Robbinsville Black Knights (Robbinsville, NC) in a 1A Big Smoky bout, on Friday, February 9. Swain County will attempt to upgrade on its 15-7 season record. The Black Knights go into the bout with a 16-4 record after their 71-36 non-league win over Blue Ridge Early College (Cashiers, NC).